Shopping Addiction Therapy Princeton, New Jersey

Compulsive shopping, also known as shopping addiction, is probably the most socially acceptable form of addiction. We’re constantly bombarded by advertising messages that tell us to buy certain products so we can be happier, healthier or better looking. Politicians also encourage consumers to spend money to support the economy. And, there is the appeal of wanting what everyone else has.

But there’s a difference between spending money and compulsive shopping. Like other behavioral addictions, shopping addiction can take over your life and cause you to neglect your other responsibilities. The only way to stop compulsive shopping is with professional shopping addiction treatment in New Jersey.

CTRLCare Behavioral Health successfully treats shopping addiction. To discuss your treatment options with our admissions team, contact us today. We have kind, compassionate staff who take the time to understand the emotional roots that lead to compulsive shopping. In the meantime, let’s learn more about shopping addiction and the signs to watch for.

What You Need to Know About Shopping Addiction

Almost everyone shops to some degree, but true shopping addiction only affects about 6 percent of the U.S. population. It typically starts in the late teens and early adulthood, and it often co-occurs with other mental health problems like anxiety, depression or eating disorders. It’s believed that compulsive shopping is a way to boost self-esteem and cope with emotional pain.

Here are a few important things to know about shopping addiction:

Shopping addiction is not new.

Even though compulsive shopping might seem like a new disorder, especially with online shopping, it dates back to the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, it was recognized as a psychiatric disorder.

Compulsive shopping has deep roots.

On the surface, a shopping addiction might seem simple and straightforward: The shopper likes to shop and spend money. But like other addictions, compulsive shopping is a way to cope with stress and pain. It also serves as a distraction and temporarily makes you feel better.

Financial problems are common.

People who struggle with compulsive shopping often get into financial trouble. They typically spend more than they can afford and go into debt as a result of their overspending.

Shopping addiction produces a temporary high.

Shopping addiction can be both impulsive and compulsive. It feels good to shop and spend money, but once this wears off, you’re left feeling empty and unsatisfied. The only way to make yourself feel better is by shopping again.

How to Tell the Difference Between Normal Shopping and an Addiction

Because everyone shops – and many people enjoy it – it can be difficult to know when normal shopping has crossed the lines into addiction. But there are some telltale signs to watch for:

  • Shopping to escape negative emotions
  • Spending significant time thinking about shopping
  • Shopping in secret
  • Unable to stop shopping, even when you have no money
  • Spending more than you can afford
  • Avoiding bills to have more money to shop
  • Feeling guilty about your purchases
  • Needing to shop to feel normal
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Shopping Addiction Treatment in Princeton NJ

Shopping addiction is similar to other addictions. People who overshop become preoccupied with spending money. They devote a lot of time to this behavior, so it ends up compromising their values and well-being.

Shopping addiction often involves a continuous cycle of thinking about shopping, planning a trip, going shopping and getting temporary relief. When the shopping trip is over, it’s normal to crash and have feelings of disappointment.

It’s difficult to break this cycle, but with the right help, it is possible. The important thing is that you can admit your problem and reach out for shopping addiction therapy in New Jersey.

CTRLCare Shopping Addiction Treatment Princeton, New Jersey
The therapies that work best for treating a shopping addiction are:

  • Family therapy. Shopping addiction doesn’t just affect the shopper, it affects the entire family. Family therapy can be a helpful way to work through family problems, encourage honesty and encourage you to take responsibility.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy helps you change the behaviors that contribute to compulsive shopping.
  • Treatment for co-occurring disorders. Shopping addiction often co-occurs with other mental health disorders. Treating these disorders can help you feel better in other ways so that you’re less likely to shop to feel better.
  • Financial counseling. Many compulsive shoppers have financial debt they need to address after receiving treatment. Because this doesn’t just go away, financial counseling can help you get back on track.

Get Treatment for Shopping Addiction at CTRLCare Behavioral Health

CTRLCare Behavioral Health offers professional, compassionate shopping addiction treatment in New Jersey. Because compulsive shopping can take a toll on your relationships, your finances and your mental health, it’s important to address all of the ways that this addiction may have affected you and your family. Fortunately, there is hope and support to help you control your spending and feel better about yourself. For more information about our shopping addiction treatment in Princeton New Jersey, Contact us today.


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CTRLCare Behavioral Health

29 Emmons Drive, Suite G-30
Princeton, NJ 08540

(609) 237-0088

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